After 35 years of legalized abortion in America, it's FINALLY time...
40 Days for Life: The groundbreaking
pro-life campaign that GETS RESULTS!
pro-life campaign that GETS RESULTS!
Save lives from abortion ... protect women and
men ... provide healing to the wounded ... mobilize the
Body of Christ in your town ... IN JUST 40 DAYS!
men ... provide healing to the wounded ... mobilize the
Body of Christ in your town ... IN JUST 40 DAYS!
Dear pro-life friend,
If you, and others in your community, are ready to...
- Heed God's call to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves ...
- Take courageous action to save the lives of innocent children in the womb ...
- Protect women -- and men -- from making a terrible decision that they'll regret for a lifetime ...
- Help those who have been hurt by abortion to find healing and forgiveness ...
- Turn the tide against abortion right where you live ...
...Then this could be the most important letter you've ever read.
Go lock the door, take the phone off the hook, turn off your e-mail, grab your favorite cold beverage, and study every single word of this letter. It's THAT important.
The problem...
In America, a nation that was founded on an unalienable right to life, endowed by our Creator, more than 1,200,000 innocent children are killed by abortion each year.
However, it's not only children that are affected...
- Millions of women have been wounded by abortion -- some physically, and many more emotionally and spiritually -- and fathers who have lost children to abortion have been shoved to the sidelines, abandoned to lives of regret.
- Our children have been sold a lie about so-called sexual freedom without being adequately warned about the long-term consequences of promiscuity and sin. As a result, teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases have reached alarming levels.
- Recent election cycles have placed more abortion advocates in powerful state and national offices, and the prospects for many of the 2008 races are quite chilling -- unless something drastic changes now.
- Judicial activism has overrun our court system, and unaccountable judges are forcing their personal abortion agenda on America. Even with recent hopeful changes on the United States Supreme Court, experts still say there are not enough votes to overturn the unjust 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that imposed abortion on all 50 states.
- The national media has overwhelmingly taken a position in favor of abortion, saturating the airwaves and print publications with biased information, and portraying pro-life Christians in a negative light.
- Many Christian churches have fallen silent about abortion, and many followers of Jesus Christ have become apathetic or indifferent, failing to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."
Clearly, our nation has turned away from God. This may seem like cause for despair, but scripture reminds us...
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
A new solution...
There is reason to have great hope. And that hope is found in a simple -- but highly effective -- pro-life campaign known as 40 Days for Life.
Starting in 2004, communities quietly began to conduct the 40 Days for Life campaign, one after another. In the fall of 2007, more than 80 communities held 40 Days for Life campaigns simultaneously. In the spring of 2008, more than 50 additional communities united for another nationwide effort. To date, 139 cities in 43 states have joined together in this initiative. These campaigns have created a track record of extraordinary life-saving results across America:
- More than 150,000 people of faith and conscience have joined together to pray and fast for an end to abortion
- More than 35,000 people have taken to the streets, forming peaceful prayer vigils outside of Planned Parenthood centers and other abortion facilities
- More than 500 children have been saved from abortion
- Hundreds of women - and men - have been spared from the pain and regret of abortion
- Those with abortion experiences in their past have found healing
- Two abortion facilities have gone out of business following 40 Days for Life campaigns
- Other abortion facilities have experienced sharp setbacks, cutting back hours and closing down for days at a time
- Several abortion workers have quit their jobs due to 40 Days for Life efforts
- Media outlets have given the pro-life position prominent coverage with more than 300 news stories
- Churches have been activated and united for life
- New people have been recruited, educated, and mobilized
- People have turned back to God with renewed hope
40 Days for Life requires lots of prayer, hard work, and personal sacrifice, but the campaign is actually quite simple.
Components of 40 Days for Life...
One of the strengths of the 40 Days for Life campaign is its simplicity. Your community can make a tremendous impact by implementing three basic components...
1. Prayer and Fasting
Want to end abortion? First you pray.
Prayer is at the center of 40 Days for Life. During the campaign, we are calling on prayer warriors across the nation to fall on their knees before the Lord, asking Him to hear our plea and heal our land. Pray at church. Pray outside an abortion facility. Pray at work. Pray in the car. Pray at home with your family. Pray!
People of faith are also invited to fast throughout 40 Days for Life.
Christ said there are demons that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. A fast is not a Christian diet; it is a powerful means of drawing closer to God by blocking out distractions. Fast from food. Fast from television. Fast from excess time in front of a computer. Fast from apathy and indifference. Fast from whatever it is that separates you from God.
We believe that when God's people fast with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, our heavenly Father will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world.
2. Constant vigil
The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a 40-day, round-the-clock prayer vigil outside a Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in your community.
It is a peaceful and educational presence, and this 24-hour-a-day presence sends a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion. It also serves as a call to repentance for those who work at the abortion center and those who patronize the facility.
If you do not have an abortion facility or Planned Parenthood office in your town, you can still conduct 40 Days for Life however you will need to select a different location with some strategic significance -- perhaps near city hall, a courthouse, or a highly visible intersection.
Does your vigil have to be 24-hours a day?
No, that is not required. The hours are completely up to you and others planning your local 40 Days for Life campaign, as long as you commit to try and fill a minimum of 12 hours a day. We do, however, encourage you to prayerfully consider this question. Those communities that have conducted a round-the-clock vigil reported amazing results from their additional sacrifice.
3. Community outreach
During 40 Days for Life, you have a great opportunity to take the pro-life message to every corner of your community.
A door-to-door petition and education drive can be implemented to reach out to every household in your town or city. During this time, informational flyers are distributed in neighborhoods to raise awareness about the local crisis of abortion. Citizens are invited to sign a petition of support for the sanctity of human life, and people are given the opportunity to visibly show their support for 40 Days for Life by wearing wristbands, placing signs in their yards, or displaying bumper stickers on their vehicles.
This one activity alone can help a community rapidly identify hundreds, or even thousands, of pro-life supporters during the 40 days. These people can then be encouraged to get involved in local pro-life efforts during and after your campaign.
Church involvement begins by meeting with local pastors, other church leaders, and members of different congregations. The Body of Christ is invited to pray together and participate in 40 Days for Life, uniting in one focused mission that can save lives and make an eternal impact.
Media outreach is conducted through carefully targeted news stories, talk shows, editorials, and letters to the editor. This enables you to get the pro-life message out to many people who would never see the inside of a local church.
If your community has a college campus, many students can be impacted through an intense 40-day campus outreach. This can consist of flyer raids, sidewalk chalking, petition drives, table displays, and much more.
Benefits for your community...
By implementing the three components of prayer and fasting, constant vigil, and community outreach, your city or town could:
- Reduce abortion rates -- by 15% ... 20% ... 25% ... Or more!
- Recruit and mobilize hundreds -- even thousands -- of new people into effective, life-saving efforts
- Lead post-abortive women -- and men -- into proven and effective healing programs
- Develop dynamic new leaders to increase the future impact of pro-life efforts
- Bring churches together in an historic display of Christian unity and action
- Generate enormous buzz by getting prominent pro-life news coverage -- even from biased media outlets
- Increase local financial support for pro-life efforts
- Make the sanctity of human life a crucial issue in local, state and even national elections
These are bold claims, however these results (and many more) have actualy been accomplished in other communities.
Don't just take our word for it...
Here are actual testimonials from just a handful of the communities that recently completed 40 Days for Life campaigns:
***
When we first saw the 40 Days for Life Campaign it resounded in our hearts. Wow! We would be united with many other cities in prayer and fasting, peaceful, prayerful vigil, and community outreach to stop abortion in our land. What power to break spiritual strongholds! What power to address the reality of abortion in our midst! We wanted this program in our state... we were willing to do whatever the program called for... we said, Yes!
We blanketed over 40,000 flyers to area homes with volunteer planning and youth power. We filled 40 days and 40 nights with nonstop prayer vigil! Three lives were confirmed saved and three families were protected from the aftermath of abortion. There were two separate weeks when no surgical abortions took place at the only abortion site left in North Dakota.
The leadership at the national level trained, encouraged and equipped us every step of the way. They were invaluable. We were rekindled with the belief that North Dakota really could be the first abortion free state in the nation... We are committed to continue what the Lord has begun.
We believe every community should conduct a 40 Days for Life Campaign because it inflames the hearts, minds and souls for Christ and for life. It a powerful tool for unity in our nation and a vehicle to proclaim the truth about the sanctity of human life throughout the land. It is simply one of the most exciting events in the pro-life arena that we have encountered in our entire lives.
Colleen Samson
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota
***
In two months with a small group of 5 people, we organized the 40 Days for Life campaign. We were able to generate donations to pay for the entire campaign and I was able to promote the campaign on local radio and two different Catholic television shows. Even our very liberal local newspaper, The San Antonio Express News, wrote a fairly favorable article- a feat no one thought could happen.
During the 40 days, over 500 people came out to that sidewalk and prayed- most of which had NEVER been involved in the pro-life movement before! We estimate that at least one life was saved for each abortion day- about 6 children. The local crisis pregnancy center reported more and more women coming in for free pregnancy tests and many more children being "saved" than they had seen in a while.
We covered 960 hours in front of that clinic and although it was very difficult at times -- and my husband is especially glad that we're done -- I would readily say that, given what I know now, I would still choose to jump in and go for it. The blessings that we have gained far outweigh any small difficulties that we faced during the 40 days. I have a list of over 200 people now looking to me asking "What's next?" and I can't wait to let them know.
Go for it!
Amy Voorhees
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
***
40 Days For Life was one of the most rewarding experiences our participants ever had! It was a joy to bridge denominational differences and stand together in defense of life. To see hope replace fear on the faces of the faithful was a wonder and to be part of an entirely peaceful, while extremely controversial, prayer campaign for more than a month felt like a miracle! Every time a passer-by felt free to express their views and concerns respectfully on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, a victory was scored for life and for democracy. Every insult that was endured in patience and humility was a victory for, and a witness to, our Lord.
40 Days For Life combined prayer, witness, and sincere outreach to mothers in need in a way I would not have thought possible in Rhode Island if I had not been part of it. Every participant changes lives; every participant's life is changed. As for saving lives locally, time will offer us proof of every committed step we took, and continue to take, in defense of God's most vulnerable children. What a blessing we have shared! And it's only the beginning.
Joanne Ciocys
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
***
The obvious success of our 40 Days for Life campaign in Grand Rapids was the mothers who walked away from the clinics with "baby" still in their wombs. The not so obvious, but just as real, were the prayers and devotions that were raised toward heaven. God is always faithful, we just have to show up and do His bidding.
We were blessed by new enthusiasm, new recruits who became "hooked" on witnessing at the abortion mills, and new prayer partners who covered the vigil at all hours of the day and night. The fasting kept the devil at bay, and the prayers from prisoners, convents, bible study groups, adoration chapels, college students, as well as nursing home residents, were palpable to those who stood watch on the sidewalks.
I personally have never before felt such a strong sense of the outpouring of Grace as I did during those 40 Days. God is good all the time.
Elizabeth McClintic
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
***
Our campaign began last on a very hot steamy day in Houston. It started with a handful of faithful pro-life volunteers that grew steadily during the 40 days and ended with countless new volunteers wanting to be involved.
Over 120 women were directed away from the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Houston during the campaign to Crisis Pregnancy Centers for free pregnancy tests and Christian counseling. Many then chose life for their unborn children.
This 40 Days for Life campaign tremendously helped us to rally the volunteers that are needed in reaching our goal of a presence in prayer at this facility every hour that they are open, thus saving lives, one mom and one baby at a time!
I send encouragement, hope and prayers to all of you contemplating bringing this campaign to your city. Put your faith and trust in God, get started and work very hard and it will happen!
Christine Melchor
Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas
***
For the past two years I have been waiting and praying for God to move in my life, to show me His will for my future. This past fall He moved me to help facilitate the 40 Days for Life here in Seattle. I could see the power of this campaign and I knew the importance of this issue, but the laborers who would get this initiative off the ground where absent (or so I thought). I more than volunteered; I dedicated myself to making this happen. I gave my all to this campaign and I have seen life altering blessing poured out over me in return.
During the campaign we had over 300 people get involved in the local vigil. We had daily interactions with people on the street who were touched and changed by our presence. Here in Seattle we were faced with something of a tough audience, but for this period of time the mood changed and a glimmer of hope could be seen through the darkness.
If you're thinking about stepping out and running a 40 Days campaign, but you're faced with doubt and a general sense that it is impossible, do it anyway. I am convinced that our campaign here in Seattle was facilitated more by God himself and we were just assistants. If you can allow yourself to focus on the immediate details, God will bless you and help to fill in the rest. Be His instrument in this; Say yes, and allow Him to work powerfully in your community through this campaign!
Aaron Stockton
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
***
Here in Dallas, we had over 1,900 people sign in at the 40 Days for Life vigil site to pray. But less than one week after the close of the vigil we had a sidewalk counselor all alone at the vigil site trying to offer the women help. I told her that I would try everything in my power to get her help so she would never be alone. So I started calling the list of over 1,900 people and was amazed at the overwhelming positive response. So far, out of 142 calls, 75 people have committed to coming out to pray for ONE hour each MONTH or more! As I speak with them, many, many people warmly and sincerely thanked me for holding the vigil.
I believe there were times when we all as leaders felt discouraged during the 40 Days for Life vigil. But the telephone follow-up work has proved to me that people really do want to find a way to continue to pray at abortion centers even after the 40 Days for Life vigil. So, as I fill up the monthly prayer schedule, one hour at a time, I thank God that we held the 40 Days for Life vigil in Dallas for a second time!
Carol Seward
Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas
***
As a past leader of two 40 Days for Life prayer vigils here in Charlotte, NC, I would like to encourage anyone considering being a part of a vigil to take that "first step" and go for it. Prayer is the most needed weapon to fight the battle to end abortion in America and the world today.
During our first vigil, we had very limited coverage for 40 continuous days, yet it was also the prayers by proxy that united our community. The second 40 day prayer vigil which was a part of the national event was even more impactful. Again, the unity both in prayer at the site, by proxy, and this time the united prayers of the nation transformed us all. It was definitely one of the most meaningful times of my life.
The most important thing to do today is to begin to pray about how God is calling you to this task. The thing that I feel is most important is to get a leadership team, whether two or twelve. These people although diverse, should be united in faithfulness, availability, intentional, teachable, and mostly, having a heart for God. With this Army, God will accomplish great things through you for His Glory. So, go for it!! Take that first step, on your knees, and you will be blessed.
Katherine Hearn
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
***
When I first found about 40 Days For Life in August 2007, I thought that it sounded so overwhelming. I remember thinking, "Maybe next year we can do this but it's just too big to put together this Fall." After I listened to David Bereit say, "Some of you are thinking that you'll wait until next year to get involved -- but think about how many babies will die while you wait," that was it. If I truly cared about the lives of those babies and of their mothers, I needed to do something NOW!
It was a busy, tiring, but very rewarding time this past fall, and I have been blessed beyond belief to have been a part of 40 Days for Life.
The old adage that God can never be outdone in generosity rang so true throughout those weeks before, during, and now even after the campaign. Our local effort wasn't one of the biggest ones held, but the beauty of this national event is that when even one person is praying at a local facility, that person is united with others praying for the same cause at the same time across the nation. There's a comradery that can't be explained; there are graces abounding because we are all united for LIFE!
I know that this country has been changed because of all the prayers and fasting during those 40 days. We don't always see the fruits, but they are there--in the babies saved, the friendships formed, the wounds healed, the love shown.
Take the risk, make the commitment, take it step by step, hour by hour, day by day -- you'll never regret it!
Ann Barrick
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
***
Is God really calling me to do 40 Days for Life?
I really began to question if God knew what He was doing. I mean, I was about as green as they come to the pro-life movement. Our campaign would start in September, and I did my very first pro-life activity (praying in front of a mill) at the end of June. So how was I supposed to lead a leg of the largest pro-life movement ever in America?
But God kept putting the question out there, so I said yes.
And I haven't stopped being blessed since. I learned that God sometimes calls those who aren't equipped, so that He shines through. Every day, I was able to see God moving in our community: the post abortive women that would just providentially come into our path who began healing, the first timers who found praying at abortion mills wasn't really that scary, the old timers who were rejuvenated with new fervor and the lives of innocent babies that were saved. If you stepped back from the campaign, you could see the Holy Spirit catching the community on fire.
We wondered how we would fill all those hours. At the kick-off, we had five hours a day covered if we were lucky. But God had it under control. This was His campaign! Every hour, 24 hours a day, for 40 days was covered by the grace of our heavenly Father. People would just show up, churches would call out of the blue to take a whole day, dedicated prayer warriors would volunteer to stay later and come earlier. It just happened. Somehow, God coordinated it all.
I just couldn't believe that God wanted me to lead this campaign. But the truth is, He led it. All I had to do was say "yes."
Milissa Ackron
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
***
We received many, many more powerful testimonials, but these should help you to see that God is clearly at work -- through His people -- in amazing ways!
Momentum is building across America...
Following the enormous success of both the fall 2007 and spring 2008 40 Days for Life campaigns, more than 300 cities have expressed a desire to conduct a 40 Days for Life campaign in the fall of 2008.
Of the respondents to a national survey about 40 Days for Life, 97.3% said there needs to be another nationwide coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign.
It is clear that more 40 Days for Life campaigns are being called for.
As a result, the next nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign will be held from September 24 - November 2, 2008.
Some pro-life leaders are saying that -- with God's help -- 40 Days for Life could help to mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America.
What national leaders are saying...
Pro-life and pro-family leaders have been lining up to endorse the national 40 Days for Life effort. Here are comments from a few of them...
JOE SCHEIDLER
National Director, Pro-Life Action League
National Director, Pro-Life Action League
Ora et Labora -- prayer and action -- are our most powerful tools in the battle against the abortion culture. The 40 Days for Life program combines the two beautifully, with the potential of bringing down the culture of death. Compassionate, dedicated pro-life Christians praying fervently for 40 days and 40 nights, 24 hours a day, at the very places where abortions are performed, is an ardent call for God to work miracles as He pleases. In my book, CLOSED, I make it very clear that all my efforts in the pro-life battle are based on my personal commitment to the combination of prayer and action. I not only wholeheartedly endorse the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil, but I believe it is absolutely necessary for ultimate victory over the evil of abortion, and I believe the time is right.
FR. FRANK PAVONE
National Director, Priests for Life
Pastoral Director, Silent No More Awareness Campaign and Rachel's Vineyard Ministries
National Director, Priests for Life
Pastoral Director, Silent No More Awareness Campaign and Rachel's Vineyard Ministries
Abortion will end when local communities say it will end -- no sooner, and no later. We have the power to stop abortion, even while it remains legal. Now is the time to mobilize, sustained by prayer. Women and men who have lost children to abortion need to hear the witness of others who have experienced that pain and have found healing. 40 Days for Life is an opportunity for a local community to hear that witness. The men and women of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign are looking forward to participating and I strongly endorse the 40 Days for Life effort. I look forward to promoting it nationwide and participating in it in many communities.
CARMEN PATE
Co-Host, Point of View Radio Talk Show
USA Radio Network
Co-Host, Point of View Radio Talk Show
USA Radio Network
40 Days for Life is an opportunity for the body of Christ to see God work in extraordinary ways as we come together in repentance for the travesty of abortion. The results, I believe, will be nothing short of miraculous as hearts are healed, restored, and emboldened to embrace life for future generations.
ROYCE DUNN
Founder and Director, Life Chain
Founder and Director, Life Chain
40 Days for Life is cause for everyone in pro-life to rejoice. Imagine what will occur across America when pro-lifers in many cities and towns resolve to pray earnestly and urge God to anoint their labors and use mightily their witness against the curse of abortion in their local neighborhoods. Imagine the lives that will be saved and hearts changed. Imagine the huge number of new pro-life recruits. 40 Days for Life is blessed with committed leadership, superb prep materials, and marvelous passion. It is flexible and doable. Most important of all, it values and relies on God, the giver of life. I look forward to many faith-building reports of its success.
JIM SEDLAK
Founder, STOPP (Stop Planned Parenthood)
Vice president, American Life League
Founder, STOPP (Stop Planned Parenthood)
Vice president, American Life League
Every successful fight against Planned Parenthood has always had prayer as its foundation. The intense prayer and community involvement that is fostered by the 40 Days For Life will bring a tremendous spiritual presence at the Planned Parenthood facilities where it takes place. We, at American Life League's STOPP project, wholeheartedly endorse this effort.
JANET FOLGER
President, Faith2Action
Author, "The Criminalization of Christianity"
President, Faith2Action
Author, "The Criminalization of Christianity"
We are one judge away from protecting children again -- if there was ever a time to fast it is now. Join in the 'high octane prayer' that moves the mountains. There is nothing more powerful we can do.
NOREEN JOHNSON, M.D.
Former Abortion Provider
Former Abortion Provider
Without a doubt, you can be a part of a movement in your locale that will negatively impact the kingdom of darkness as it fuels the abortion holacaust. During the 40 Days for Life in my community, I witnessed an increase in the unity of the Body of Christ, a decrease in abortions and also an increase in volunteers working in various pro-life venues in our community. Come fast and pray with members of your community and join this global effort.
DR. SONNY FORAKER
Founder and Director, Pastors for Life
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Pearland, TX
Founder and Director, Pastors for Life
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Pearland, TX
Pastors for Life believe in the spiritual strategy of prayer at the very doors of the abortion centers. Therefore, we wholeheartedly support the national 40 Days for Life! It's the desire of this campaign to seek God's favor with humility and contriteness of heart. Victory will come, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. That's why it is important to go to the abortion facilities and pray! The success of this campaign is based upon our faithfulness in obedience to God's command.
FR. TOM EUTENEUR
President, Human Life International
President, Human Life International
40 Days for Life unleashes in an organized fashion the most potent force that we can muster against the culture of death -- prayer and sacrifice. The only way we will definitively conquer the death industry is by applying the spiritual resources that the Lord has entrusted to us, and I wholeheartedly endorse the 40 Days for Life campaign for that reason. May God produce abundant fruits out of so much sacrifice and prayer!
JIM NOLAN
President, Crossroads Pro-Life
President, Crossroads Pro-Life
The 40 Days for Life Campaign is a real and effective tool to help increase awareness of the sanctity and dignity of each and every human life -- born and unborn. The members of Crossroads Pro-Life will be participating in this great effort during the coming 40 days and pray that it will help to convert many hearts and minds for life!
MOLLY WHITE
Executive Director, Redeemed for Life Ministries
Executive Director, Redeemed for Life Ministries
God does answer prayer and 40 Days for Life is an answer to prayer for me personally. This is the most exciting opportunity for believers all over the nation to unite together to pray and fast for the end of abortion in America. 40 Days for Life will give each believer the opportunity to be a light unto the world by our unity in prayer and fasting and our acts of love and kindness towards those who are lost and those who are hurting. This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to minister to hurting women, men and family members.
DR. JOHNNY M. HUNTER, D.D.
National Director, Life Education and Resource Network (LEARN, Inc.)
National Director, Life Education and Resource Network (LEARN, Inc.)
The 40 Days of Life campaign has already proven to be effective when it was first used. As you know, Jesus considered our lives to be worth the 40 days of wilderness testing for Him. This is a specific amount of your most valuable resource, which is time, to embrace that which God has given human beings to experience time -- that's life! If 40 days in jail could save a child's life, there are Christians who would sit behind bars. If 40 days of no meat could save a child's life, there are Christians who would eat fruits, vegetables, cakes and pies. Because of 40 Days for Life, a child will have a birthday. The question for your consideration: "Is a lifetime for a child worth 40 days to you?"
JACK AMES
Director, Defend Life
Director, Defend Life
The 40 Days for Life campaign is the most exciting opportunity to strengthen and expand the pro-life movement that I have seen since way back in 1972 when I first became active. I like it because it has worked successfully in communities across America, some of which had virtually no local pro-life movement before the campaign. I like it because it can unite all wings of the pro-life movement as well as bringing countless persons into the movement who consider themselves pro-life but never have been actively pro-life! I like it because it could be the first step in bringing down Planned Parenthood, the Goliath of the abortion industry!
HAYWOOD ROBINSON, M.D.
Former Abortion Provider
Former Abortion Provider
To all soldiers in the fight and struggle for life: I heartily endorse 40 Days for Life and look forward to my second opportunity to participate. I live in College Station, Texas, and am proud to say I participated in the first 40 Days for Life. Awesome things happen when God's people fast and pray, especially when there's the unity, focus, and a cause so close to God's heart. Please seek the Lord for personal direction in this matter.
You've heard from cities and towns that have successfully conducted 40 Days for Life. You've heard about the media buzz. You've heard from respected national leaders.
Now here's the question for you...
Should your community participate?
We can't answer that question for you... but God can.
If you haven't already, begin to pray about your involvement. Talk with others in your community and evaluate their level of interest. Review all of the materials available on this site. Form a core team to pray and plan for your campaign.
But do it quickly, because it's time to make a decision!
This coming fall, from September 24 - November 2, communities all across America will be joining together to fervently seek God's will and work tirelessly to end abortion.
The fall campaign registration period closes on Tuesday, July 29, to ensure that registered cities have the needed time for training and preparation to kick-off a successful campaign.
Here's the question for you:
Will you be on the front lines, making a lifesaving impact on your community and our nation?
Or will you simply be sitting on the sidelines, watching others write the pages of history?
The very fact that you've made it this far leads us to believe that you DO have an important role in this this monumental initiative.
And you'll have lots of help.
What you'll be getting...
By registering for 40 Days for Life, you will be given all the help, resources, and training you need -- exactly when you need it -- to successfully plan and implement your local campaign. (We've learned from previous campaigns what should happen when.)
You will have national experts and leaders working side by side with you every step of the way, and we promise not to dump everything on you right at the very beginning (or you'd probably go into information overload! :-)
#1: Six Weekly Training Modules
Everything will be broken down into six step-by-step weekly modules that begin shortly after the close of the application process, guiding you through the advance planning and continuing all the way through the 40 days.
Each week, your module will consist of:
- Training conference call (also simulcast on the web for your convenience) with a presentation detailing exactly what you and your team need to be working on that week and dedicated time to answer your questions that have been submitted throughout the previous week. These calls are the foundation of your 40 Days for Life training, and each one will be recorded and made available online in case you aren't able to attend the live sessions.
- Printable training guide that may be downloaded from the internet; it will build upon the content delivered during your weekly training call.
- Implementation tools including checklists, to-do items, calendars, and forms relevant to where you are in the campaign, all delivered online.
- Resource templates for materials needed at each stage of the campaign, delivered to you from the 40 Days for Life Web site.
- Planning tips for your key events -- the Kickoff Rally, the Halfway Rally, and your Victory Celebration.
- Supplemental items including suggested reading, videos, audios, all delivered online for your convenience.
We've done everything possible to streamline this into a very simple process for you.
The bottom line: if you have a computer and a telephone -- and you can follow simple step-by-step instructions -- you will be able to conduct a successful 40 Days for Life campaign in your town.
#2: Weekly Q&A conference calls
After the training calls are complete, members of the national leadership team will continue to be available to you on a weekly basis to answer your 40 Days for Life questions on a live conference call with web simulcast. These valuable sessions will also be recorded and archived for your access in case you cannot participate in the live discussion.
#3: Online campaign headquarters
In addition to the training modules, once your application is accepted, you will be given IMMEDIATE ACCESS to a private web-based forum set up exclusively for communities conducting 40 Days for Life.
This forum will continue to grow and develop throughout the campaign, and will be the central hub of information where you will be able to...
- Download campaign materials, tools, training and templates for every aspect of your campaign
- Communicate with people in other communities who are participating in the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign
- Get help when questions and challenges come up
- Offer assistance to others
- Share new ideas and best practices
#4: E-mail coaching and updates for your leaders
All local leaders of your 40 Days for Life campaign will receive exclusive updates, coaching tips, and breaking news from the national campaign headquarters by way of e-mail, enabling rapid and consistent communication.
#5: Community Case Studies
You will be given online access to numerous case studies from cities that have previously conducted 40 Days for Life. Each case study consists of a recorded interview and some will include a written transcript of the interview as well.
These discussions can provide you unique insights and suggestions from people who have already done what you're planning to do.
#6: Resource Templates
Throughout the training cycle you will be given access to web-based templates for just about everything you could possibly need including downloadable samples of:
- Promotional literature including posters, flyers, information sheets, bulletin inserts, and pulpit announcements
- 40 Days for Life signs including yard signs for community awareness and signs for use during your vigil
- Optional promotional items including templates for T-shirts, wristbands, and bumper stickers
- Community outreach petitions including templates for a quarter-sheet card and a full-sheet
- Professional graphic files of the 40 Days for Life logo for you to use on your own, customized materials
Each template will be fully customizable so you can adjust the item to fit your local campaign. All templates will be delivered digitally to you on the internet to reduce expense and to make them readily available when you need them.
You can have your resource materials printed locally or we'll point you toward some vendors that we've had good experiences with.
#7: Discounted prices on promotional items
Due to special arrangements with several reliable vendors, many of the optional 40 Days for Life promotional items (including t-shirts, golf shirts, baseball caps, hand-out cards, rubber wristbands, key chains, banners, yard signs, and vigil signs) will be made available to campaign leaders at drastically reduced prices for use during your campaign.
#8: Media and public relations assistance
To help generate local media coverage around your 40 Days for Life efforts, at different times throughout the campaign you will be given access to online:
- Press release templates that can be customized with the specifics of your local campaign
- Sample talking points to help you stay organized and focused in any communication with media outlets
- Coaching on media skills including identifying local media outlets, preparing and sending a press release, responding to news inquiries, handling media interviews, and the power of the opinion page
The 40 Days for Life national campaign headquarters will also strive to gain prominent national media coverage to support local efforts across America.
#9: Your own local campaign web site
Shortly after the application period ends, you will be able to set up your own, customizable local web presence on the 40 Days for Life Web site, making it easy to get local people involved in your efforts.
Even if you've never set up a web site before, your easy-to-use online interface will make it simple to add, edit, and update content on pages.
The professional graphic design of your site will convey professionalism to people in your community, and will be consistent with the look of the national 40 Days for Life branding.
All contact information for the people who sign your online petition or request updates through your section of the Web site will be provided to you so you can keep in touch with them and involve them in your local pro-life efforts before, during, and after 40 Days for Life.
How your community
can apply to participate...
can apply to participate...
If you were to conduct a campaign like this completely on your own, the cost for everything we're providing could run you several thousand dollars. (We know from experience that the first 40 Days for Life cost nearly $15,000 to put together.)
By consolidating efforts across America -- and due to the incredible generosity of a few donors -- we are thrilled to be able to provide your community everything mentioned above for a very modest amount.
Even though the cost for the national team to support each local campaign is over $700 per site, the registration fee for each location wanting to conduct a 40 Days for Life campaign is still only $197. That includes EVERYTHING listed in the section above -- and some unannounced surprise bonuses!
Your application can be easily completed online today with any major credit card, or you can print out the application form and mail it with your payment.
But HURRY -- because the deadline for your application is Tuesday, July 29, at midnight (Pacific time).
Also keep in mind that here will be other costs tied to your campaign for events, vigil supplies, printing, promotion, mailings, phone calls, etc. These costs can vary by community, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on how ambitious you decide to make your campaign.
However, raising funds for this project can actually be a great blessing as you watch God provide for the campaign's needs.
Several communities that conducted 40 Days for Life reported great success in offseting their campaign costs through...
- Organization growth: several communities experienced a significant increase in pro-life funding before, during and after 40 Days for Life. Supporters are excited to get behind something that is making a visible impact. This increase will often offset campaign costs in part or full.
- Shared cost: several churches or organizations can "go in together" and share the campaign costs.
- Special offering: events can be a great opportunity for people to share the blessings they've received during 40 Days for Life.
- Sponsorship: Consider inviting key individuals, organizations, or business to underwrite some or all of your campaign costs.
However you choose to offset the costs of 40 Days for Life, all funds raised before and during your campaign will stay right where they are needed the most -- in your community.
If God is moving your heart to involve your community in this history-making campaign, we believe that He will provide you exactly what you need when you need it.
If you have prayed about this, discussed it with your family, talked with others in your community to begin forming a core team, and taken the time to review this information, then your community is ready.
Select one person to complete this application process to avoid duplication (but don't worry -- if we find overlap or duplicates later, we'll sort it all out and credit back any extra registration fees) and let's start making history.
Our personal guarantee to you...
We don't want any community to sign-up and then fail. That doesn't do you any good, and it certainly doesn't do anything to help the pro-life cause.
If your community feels called to participate in 40 Days for Life, go ahead and register today at NO RISK whatsoever. If for any reason, by the end of 30 days, you honestly feel we didn't deliver on what was promised -- or if things just aren't coming together in your community -- ask for a full 100% refund. We'll happily oblige.
You see, we're THAT confident that nothing out there comes CLOSE to the results you'll generate by doing a 40 Days for Life campaign.
This "make sure you're happy" guarantee is our way of taking ANY worry off your shoulders about making this important decision.
If you're ready to end abortion in America...
Now is the time to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves by completing the application for your community to participate in the September 24 - November 2 nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign.
Fill out your application now. It will be reviewed immediately and you will be notified of your official acceptance within 48 hours!
Take the first step by clicking the button below to begin the easy application process.
* But HURRY... the application Deadline
is Tuesday, July 29, 2008 *
is Tuesday, July 29, 2008 *